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Yemen

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Overview

Overview

Security status

We advise Irish citizens against all travel to Yemen and urge all Irish nationals currently in Yemen to leave immediately.

Latest travel alerts

As Ireland has no resident Embassy in Yemen, and in light of the deteriorating security situation, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to provide any consular assistance to Irish citizens who decide to remain in Yemen at this time and, in particular, in respect of assistance with departure from Yemen.

Irish citizens who decide to travel or remain in Yemen are doing so at their own risk and against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If you remain in Yemen, you should exercise extreme caution, avoid large gatherings and ensure that you have appropriate personal security measures in place, including access to money and supplies of food, water, medicine, fuel and other essentials.

Flights could be delayed or cancelled at short notice - please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.

Other EU embassies

Due to the weakened security situation, the operations of other EU embassies and consulates are suspended or extremely limited.

Safety and security

Safety and security

Violent unrest

The political situation in Yemen is extremely unstable and continues to deteriorate. Violent clashes are being witnessed. If you are in Yemen, we advise you to leave immediately. Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in Yemen is high, and there is an extreme risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

Kidnapping

Foreign nationals are potential targets for kidnapping so you should take particular care when travelling in Yemen:

Get advice from your local contacts about staying safe

Avoid travelling at night, particularly inter-city

Avoid travelling alone

When driving, ensure all car doors are locked

Vary your routes and departure times – avoid patterns which could be tracked

Pay careful attention to local media for reports of kidnapping activities

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Yemen, you should be extremely careful. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by poor driving, badly maintained vehicles and inadequate lighting.

If you want to drive:

Check with the authorities to find out what documentation you need

Bring your international driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:57:18 BST

Local laws and customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Muslim culture

Yemen is an Islamic country and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively, be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals, or if you intend to visit religious areas. You should not consume alcohol in public.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

LGBT

Homosexual activity is illegal in Yemen.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:58:08 BST

Additional information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you are unsure of what the entry requirements for Yemen are, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Yemen.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country.

More travel advice

Because we don’t have an Embassy or Consulate in Yemen, we can’t give you up-to-date travel advice, but due to continuing violent clashes and the ongoing threat of terrorism, kidnapping and tribal violence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all travel to Yemen at this time.

Security Status

Normal precautions

High degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Do not travel

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 14:05:33 BST

TravelWise

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Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:49:45 BST

Contacting us

We don’t have a resident Irish Embassy in Yemen but you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit if you need guidance on the nearest assistance and we will help you as best we can. Our number is: +353 1 408 2000.